Thailand (Koh Phangan) - foa who's been

[Qwertyl]

I think I have been to Koh Phangan four or five times the last three years or so. I travel quite a lot and really think it is one of the best places in the world for vacation.

Up until a couple years ago I really like Koh Samui as well but agree with Robder that it is all about big business and touts now. We stayed at Koh Samui and went over to to Haad Rin for the fullmoon party one year. That works well, but as Phangan is both better and cheaper I would rather go there now.

And do yourself a favor, don’t stay at the fullmoon party beach, there are so many better places to choose from. We stayed once at the Drop In Spa and Resort which is about five-ten minutes walk from the party beach. We got a room there with panorama view, separate bedroom, two indoor and one outdoor shower two TVs (not used) and Jacuzzi there if you like to stay really comfortable.

Another choice if you want to stay comfortable and close to the parties is CoCo Hut. It is located at Lamai Beach (or a name close to that), about ten minutes walk from Hat Rihn. I think they are a bit overpriced compared to the quality (probably around 1500 baht for aircon) but haven’t really found any good other places in their price range.

The fullmoon party is at the south east side of the island. We have also stayed at the west side of the island, which is a lot less developed and much more quit.

However, if you really want to see what Phangan is all about and the reason why people come back again and again you have to go to the north side of the island. The best beaches are on the north east side of the island if you like a little nightlife as well. No cars, cheap, good food and relaxed atmosphere. Thong Nai Pan, Bottle Beach comes to mind. The best place to stay here is the Panviman resort but I would not stayed there as it is well overpriced. I think the best way to find a place to stay is just to walk along the beach and find a place you like, look at the room negotiate and check in (unless you arrive at fullmoon day).

 

[Barbie]

And do yourself a favor, don’t stay at the fullmoon party beach, there are so many better places to choose from. We stayed once at the Drop In Spa and Resort which is about five-ten minutes walk from the party beach. We got a room there with panorama view, separate bedroom, two indoor and one outdoor shower two TVs (not used) and Jacuzzi there if you like to stay really comfortable.

That is one of the places I liked the look of online, thanks.

The fullmoon party is at the south east side of the island. We have also stayed at the west side of the island, which is a lot less developed and much more quit.

I really like the look of the West/North West, I definitely don't want to stay in the South-East. The most gorgeous places I have seen have all been in the North, I am just concerned how easy it will be get round the island if we do want to leave for some nightlife

 

[Ancient People]

Best choice for you would be

Cocohuts at Leela Beach, secluded and only a walk away from the party zone.

http://www.cocohut.com/



http://www.spotlight-forums.com/showthread.php?t=30247&highlight=phangan

 

[Qwertyl]

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That is one of the places I liked the look of online, thanks.

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I really like the look of the West/North West, I definitely don't want to stay in the South-East. The most gorgeous places I have seen have all been in the North, I am just concerned how easy it will be get round the island if we do want to leave for some nightlife

Yeah I know what you mean. Really dpends on what kind of nightlife you are looking for. They have the fullmoon party which is really easy to get from no matter where at the island you are but they also heve the halfmoon and black moon party. If you want to go to any of the latter it can be quite diffucult if you are staying at the nort side.
For decent "bar nightlife" the northside is good but if you want real house parties it is probably best staying at the south east side of the island. If you don't want to stay there though, I would take the extra hazzle and stay at the nort side.

 

[Barbie]

My sister has found Milky Bay and Harmony Beach Resort which she likes the look of which are both on the west side but not too far up - does anyone know anything about these??

 

[Ancient People]

Milky Bay very popular with young twenty something Brits, if thats your scene. Harmony was closed last time I was there, due to lack of guests.

You probably gonna spend most evenings in Haadrin, with the international restaurants sushi bars and 'trendy' loungebars. Its not a place where you can get away from it all but its good fun nevertheless.

Cocohut attracts a bit of an older crowd(mostly Israelis), its kinda posh but in a cool way. Also Leela beach is one of the nicest beaches on the isle. Basically you cant go wrong with it.

 

[Barbie]

Milky Bay very popular with young twenty something Brits, if thats your scene. Harmony was closed last time I was there, due to lack of guests.

I don't fit into the category of young 20 something Brits anymore

Cocohut attracts a bit of an older crowd(mostly Israelis), its kinda posh but in a cool way. Also Leela beach is one of the nicest beaches on the isle. Basically you cant go wrong with it.

Cocohut seems to be a fave, thanks again

 

[Ibiza-girlie]

im going in sept. off to Bangladesh to visit my mum and dad, then taking a quick trip to Koh Samui/Phangan. Cant wait. peeps keep telling me not to stay at Haad Rin, as its too crowdy and full of Aussies on the piss and the fullmoon party in itself is a bit overrated. well nevertheless im going, just to see what the fuss is about.
When you off Babs?

 

[Barbie]

im going in sept. off to Bangladesh to visit my mum and dad, then taking a quick trip to Koh Samui/Phangan. Cant wait. peeps keep telling me not to stay at Haad Rin, as its too crowdy and full of Aussies on the piss and the fullmoon party in itself is a bit overrated. well nevertheless im going, just to see what the fuss is about.
When you off Babs?

I've heard everyone say the same thing about Haad Rin, but it seems that you can stay only a short distance from Haad Rin and it's much more beautiful and the kind of thing we are after

We are going on 27 December, let me know what you get up to Linn and I can pick your brains when you get back

 

[Ibiza-girlie]

yeah i think im defo into the same thing as you, im getting too old too and i need my comforts of home! no smelly backpackers and cheap lager for me, thx! ill let you know how it goes down.
how are the weddings plans going????????????????
remember us having a debate about weddings a looooong time ago lol*

 

[Barbie]

yeah i think im defo into the same thing as you, im getting too old too and i need my comforts of home! no smelly backpackers and cheap lager for me, thx! ill let you know how it goes down.
how are the weddings plans going????????????????
remember us having a debate about weddings a looooong time ago lol*

This is what happens when you get old

All wedding plans are sorted, I don't know why people get stressed organising weddings - it's a walk in the park, I just want it to be June NOW

 

[Ibiza-girlie]

no mine was easy too.. getting divorced was actually a helluva lot more complicated

 

[snardy]

Robder, Ancient People and other Thai experts...

Myself and my girlfriend want to spend a week in southern Thailand during the second week of July. How are Koh Phangan and Samui during the off-season?

Will a place like the Sanctuary be open? Will there still be some parties and other events? We want to spend some time relaxing and diving, but also will want to check out some nightlife activities. Would you recommend the island in the middle of July?

Any idea what the weather will be like? Would Phuket be a better bet?

I would love to spend a few weeks traveling all over Thailand. Unfortunately, American employers give very little time off

 

[Robder]

Yes - everything open, but worth checking...not necessarily a good idea because Southern Thailand has two monsoon seasons - check the rainfall because you don't want to be lead in a hammock wearing a poncho.

 

[thelak]

Myself and my girlfriend want to spend a week in southern Thailand during the second week of July. How are Koh Phangan and Samui during the off-season?

Will a place like the Sanctuary be open? Will there still be some parties and other events? We want to spend some time relaxing and diving, but also will want to check out some nightlife activities. Would you recommend the island in the middle of July?

Any idea what the weather will be like? Would Phuket be a better bet?

I would love to spend a few weeks traveling all over Thailand. Unfortunately, American employers give very little time off

I was there in June a couple of years ago. Was reasonably busy but nothing like high season. Still plenty of people and can get some quality deals on accomodations
Wasnt a fan of Koh Samui (Mainly due to being repeatedly chased down the street by Trannies driving Mopeds but thats another story) but got an amazing bungalow for a 6 people right on the beach for peanuts (there were only 3 of us)....also a lot more package tourists with there distinctly annoying vibes

You can just turn up and find some really nice places and negotiate

Koh Phanang had other parties apart from full moon but these were only averagely busy unlike during high season. Full moon was still as massive as during high season with loads of people coming to the Island especially.

I think most resorts are open year round but with big low season discounts....dont quote me on that though

 

[Emma_22]

I was there in June a couple of years ago. Was reasonably busy but nothing like high season. Still plenty of people and can get some quality deals on accomodations
Wasnt a fan of Koh Samui (Mainly due to being repeatedly chased down the street by Trannies driving Mopeds but thats another story) but got an amazing bungalow for a 6 people right on the beach for peanuts (there were only 3 of us)....also a lot more package tourists with there distinctly annoying vibes

You can just turn up and find some really nice places and negotiate

Koh Phanang had other parties apart from full moon but these were only averagely busy unlike during high season. Full moon was still as massive as during high season with loads of people coming to the Island especially.

I think most resorts are open year round but with big low season discounts....dont quote me on that though

 

[Qwertyl]

Myself and my girlfriend want to spend a week in southern Thailand during the second week of July. How are Koh Phangan and Samui during the off-season?

Will a place like the Sanctuary be open? Will there still be some parties and other events? We want to spend some time relaxing and diving, but also will want to check out some nightlife activities. Would you recommend the island in the middle of July?

Any idea what the weather will be like? Would Phuket be a better bet?

I would love to spend a few weeks traveling all over Thailand. Unfortunately, American employers give very little time off

I was there from May to to August one year June is an excellent time to be there, especially the east coast as it rains more on the west side at this time. There is absolutely no reason to go to Phuket
and the weather in June makes even less of a point.

At the east coast you will probably just have a little rain for half an hour around sunset which in not a big deal.

I have been at fullmoonparty in February, June and July. Frankly, it is not much of a difference, just a little more crowdy in Feb so July is just as fine.

In genelral there is very little "low season" in Thailand maybe except November and April. All that matter is to find the right place for the time of year you travel. The people of Thailand is what makes it so great and they are there 24/7/365.

 

[Ibiza-girlie]

cant wait!!!

 

[snardy]

I was there from May to to August one year June is an excellent time to be there, especially the east coast as it rains more on the west side at this time. There is absolutely no reason to go to Phuket
and the weather in June makes even less of a point.

At the east coast you will probably just have a little rain for half an hour around sunset which in not a big deal.

I have been at fullmoonparty in February, June and July. Frankly, it is not much of a difference, just a little more crowdy in Feb so July is just as fine.

In genelral there is very little "low season" in Thailand maybe except November and April. All that matter is to find the right place for the time of year you travel. The people of Thailand is what makes it so great and they are there 24/7/365.

Wonderful - this is exactly what I wanted to hear! I was torn between the east and west coasts, because I will only have time to go to one. This confirms my inclination to head to Koh Phangon.

Thanks for all the information everyone!!!

 

[toms]

i stayed in thailand for a couple of months in 2005. was a great time, probably the best place i visited when i was travelling...

I stayed in Samui... Chaweng to be exact... Sure, everyone is saying its full of billboards, starbucks etc. Which is true, but its a great place to base your visits to Phangnan and Koh Tao.

Personally, it was perfect for me, cos i wanted those oh so bad traveller types everyone here seems to hate! Im a 20 something bloke and its gonna be boring otherwise!!

Barbie, if i were you, do not even entertain the idea of booking somewhere before you arrive. Get a flight into Samui, and stay for two nights at a place you'll like, theres resorts all over the place that'll suit you... you're bound to find a 5 star hotel...! Samui's probably the best place to base your exploring cos its the most connected, so go there, and go to a travel agent that can hook you up a week or so around Full Moon time, and also see if you can spend a few nights in Koh Tao...

While you're in that part of the world you might aswell see as much as you can hey...

Price wise... to give you an idea, i stayed in a 3 star hotel for 6 quid a night. It was perfect for me, sky tv, air con, big double beds, and about 15 foot from a white sand beach.

You'll have an amazing time.

Also check out Gecko when you get to Samui (if you go there), its where Danny Rampling did his last ever night the other year. Mint Bar in chaweng also attracts the house set. I saw Miguel Migs and Lisa Shaw there some time ago...

Hope you have a good one!